Combination floss and toothbrush device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a combination toothbrush and dental floss dispenser. More particularly, the device is a toothbrush with an extended handle or shaft with traditional brush bristles at one end, and a dental floss dispensing means at the other end. Such may be either incorporated within the brush itself as a single piece, or, alternatively may be detachable in nature. The floss dispenser is preferably cylindrical in nature, and includes a floss cutter and hinged cover panel for the cutter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is a combination toothbrush and dentalfloss dispenser. More particularly, the device is a toothbrush with anextended handle or shaft with traditional brush bristles at one end, anda dental floss dispensing means at the other end. Such may be eitherincorporated within the brush itself as a single piece, or,alternatively may be detachable in nature. The floss dispenser ispreferably cylindrical in nature, and includes a floss cutter and hingedcover panel for the cutter.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Numerous innovations for toothbrushes have been provided in theprior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovationsmay be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which theyaddress, they differ from the present invention as hereinaftercontrasted. The following is a summary of those prior art patents mostrelevant to the invention at hand, as well a description outlining thedifferences between the features of the present invention and those ofthe prior art.

[0005] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,752, Invented by Widlak, Entitled “OralHygiene Apparatus Having Replaceable Tooth Engaging Cleaning Element AndInternal Dental Filament Dispenser”

[0006] In the patent to Widlak, a personal, oral hygiene instrument isprovided that incorporates a replaceable tooth engaging element and adental filament dispenser into a single, hand held instrument. Theinstrument includes a hand graspable base member having an internalchamber for storing and dispensing dental filament from one end of thebase member. A replaceable tooth engaging cleaning element is detachablyreceived at the opposed end of the hand graspable base member.

[0007] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 3,782,397, Invented by McCord, Entitled“Toothbrush And Dental-Floss Dispenser”

[0008] In the paten to McCord, a toothbrush is described which is soconstructed as to contain an novel dental-floss dispenser in the handlethereof.

[0009] 3. U.S. Design Pat. Des. No. 294,201, Invented by Moore, Entitled“Combination Toothbrush And Floss Holder”

[0010] The patent to Moore depicts the ornamental design for acombination toothbrush and floss holder, as shown and described.

[0011] 4. U.S. Design Pat. Des. No. 336,782, Invented by Vela et al.,Entitled “Combined Toothbrush, Toothpaste Dispenser And Dental FlossHolder Unit And Cover Therefore”

[0012] The patent to Vela et al. depicts the ornamental design for acombined toothbrush, toothpaste dispenser and dental floss holder unitand cover therefore, as shown and described.

[0013] 5. U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 328,978, Invented by Hainline,Entitled “Combined Toothbrush And Holder With Integral Dental FlossDispenser”

[0014] The patent to Hainline depicts the ornamental design for acombined toothbrush and holder with integral dental floss dispenser, asshown and described.

[0015] 6. U.S. Design Pat. Des. 362,341, invented by Sprague, entitled“Combined Toothbrush With Cover And Dental Floss Dispenser”

[0016] The patent to Sprague depicts the ornamental design for acombined toothbrush with cover and dental floss dispenser, as shown anddescribed.

[0017] 7. U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,187, Invented by Heneveld, Entitled“Combination Toothbrush, Toothpaste Dispenser And Dental FilamentDispenser”

[0018] The patent to Heneveld depicts the ornamental design for acombination toothbrush, toothpaste dispenser and dental filamentdispenser, as shown and described.

[0019] It is suggested that the closest prior art to the presentinvention is Patent Number 4,821,752, invented by Widlak (firstabove-listed). The invention is entitled “Oral Hygiene Apparatus HavingReplaceable Tooth Engaging Cleaning Element And Internal Dental FilamentDispenser.” However, the Widlak device features removable brush bristlesas an important part of the invention, and specifically claims that theconnection between the toothbrush shaft and floss dispensing unit is viasnap fasteners. [See part numbers “40” and “42” in FIGS. 2 and 3; Seealso Column “6”, Line “7” reference to “first retention rib snapablyreceivable . . . ”].

[0020] As outlined above, the other prior art patents largely entailelements such as: an improved floss cutter cover for safety purposes; afoldable toothbrush and floss dispenser; decorative toothbrushes andfloss dispensers with particular graphics; dental floss dispenserswithin toothbrush holders, rather than attached to the toothbrushitself; and enhanced devices that also include toothpaste dispensers.

[0021] In contrast to the above, the present invention device is atoothbrush with a dental floss dispensing member at one end. Thecylindrical floss dispenser includes a floss cutter and hinged coverpanel, and may be incorporated directly within a toothbrush handle.Alternatively, it may be detachable and affixed to the toothbrush shaftvia threaded connection. The floss spool within the dispenser housingmay be replaced, when necessary. The toothbrush item may be of varyinglengths, may be constructed of varying materials, and may bear colors orgraphics. Spools of varying quantities of floss may be used to provide aquantity that corresponds to the lifespan of the brush.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] As noted, the present invention is a combination toothbrush anddental floss dispenser. More particularly, the device is a toothbrushwith an extended handle or shaft with traditional brush bristles at oneend, and a dental floss dispensing means at the other end. Such may beeither incorporated within the brush itself as a single piece, or,alternatively may be detachable in nature. The floss dispenser ispreferably cylindrical in nature, and includes a floss cutter and hingedcover panel for the cutter.

[0023] In the preferred mode, the dispensing unit is within thetoothbrush itself, providing a product of a shape and configuration thatusers are already familiar and comfortable with. In an alternate mode,the dispensing unit is affixed to the toothbrush shaft via threadedconnection, by simply twisting on an off. In still other embodiments,the dispenser may be affixed to the toothbrush via snap fasteners orother means. Importantly, the dental floss spool located within thedispenser housing may be replaced. In all instances, the toothbrush itemmay be of varying lengths and sizes, may be constructed of varyingmaterials, and may bear colors or additional graphics thereon. As anadditional feature, spools of varying quantities of floss may beremovably installed in the device, such as to provide an amount of flossthat corresponds to the expected life span of the toothbrush. As is thecase with traditional dental floss, the floss of the present item may beone of a number of flavors.

[0024] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a devicethat aids in personal hygiene in multiple ways.

[0025] It is an additional goal of the invention to provide a devicethat is compact in size, and easy to store or transport.

[0026] It is another object of the invention to provide a device that ismanufactured of lightweight, relatively inexpensive materials,functioning to keep manufacturing and shipping costs to a minimum.

[0027] Furthermore, it is a goal of the present invention to provide adevice that forms a single unit, functioning to keep all componentsthereof together for the purposes of safety and convenience.

[0028] It is an additional goal of the invention to provide a devicethat can be produced in multiple sizes, according to the needs of theparticular user.

[0029] It is an additional goal of the invention to provide a devicethat can include indicia and graphics thereon, particularly to provide afun item for children to use on a daily basis.

[0030] It is an additional goal of the invention to provide a devicethat offers a variety of means of attachment of the principalcomponents, for versatility in manufacture and production.

[0031] Finally, it is an important goal of the present invention toprovide a device that is suitable for usage by great quantities ofpeople, offering previously unattained quality and convenience atreasonable costs.

[0032] The novel features which are considered characteristic for theinvention will be set forth in the claims when submitted. The inventionitself, however, both as to its construction and its method ofoperation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, willbe best understood from the description of the embodiments to besubmitted when read and understood in connection with drawings relatingthereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033]FIG. 1 is a three-quarter front perspective view of the presentinvention, illustrating the principal components in a single-piece modeof production, shown for the purposes of example only.

[0034]FIG. 2 is a side perspective, exploded view of the presentinvention, illustrating the principal components and one method ofattachment, shown for the purposes of example only.

[0035]FIG. 3 is a three-quarter front perspective view of thereplaceable spool of the present invention, shown for the purposes ofexample only.

[0036]FIG. 4 is a three-quarter front perspective view of a detachedsnap-on type cap for the present invention, shown for the purposes ofexample only.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a three-quarter front perspective view of the presentinvention, illustrating the principal components and their generallocation of attachment in one mode of production, shown for the purposesof example only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Regarding FIG. 1, which is a three-quarter front perspective viewof the present invention, illustrating the principal components in asingle-piece mode of production, shown for the purposes of example only,FIG. 2, which is a side perspective, exploded view of the presentinvention, illustrating the principal components and their method ofattachment in the preferred mode, FIG. 3, which is a three-quarter frontperspective view of the replaceable spool, FIG. 4, which is athree-quarter front perspective view of a detached snap-on type cap forthe present invention, FIG. 5 is a three-quarter front perspective viewof the present invention, illustrating the principal components andtheir general location of attachment in one mode of production, shownfor the purposes of example only.

[0039] The combination floss and toothbrush device comprises anelongated shaft (12) which comprises a brush head (14) at one endthereof. The brush head (14) comprises a plurality of bristles (16)thereon. In the single-piece mode, the floss dispenser (18) within theshaft is generally cylindrical in nature and comprises an aperture at afirst end thereof through which floss (24) may be pulled by a user.

[0040] In the modular version, a floss dispenser (18) is removablyaffixed to a distal end of the shaft (12), the floss dispenser (18)generally cylindrical in nature and comprising an aperture at a firstend thereof through which floss (24) may be pulled by a user.

[0041] The floss dispenser (18) further comprises a cap (28) affixed toan outer surface thereof. The cap (28) functions to removably cover afloss cutting device (30). A spool (22) containing the floss (24) isremovably inserted through aperture (16) and placed within flossdispenser (18).

[0042] A male member (20) extending from a second end of the flossdispenser (18) and received by a female counterpart upon the shaft (12).This functions to allow the user to pull the floss (24) from the spool(22) and cut the floss utilizing cutting device (30) to use the floss(24) in its intended manner.

[0043] In general, the shaft is a traditional elongated toothbrushhandle, constructed of lightweight and durable plastic, nylon, acrylicor polymers. Thus, the same can be constructed of non-toxic materialsand may be of a length of seven to nine inches, for the purpose ofexample, consistent with ordinary toothbrushes. Moreover, the shaft maycomprise rubber or latex grips thereon, functioning to allow the user tobetter grip the toothbrush device, especially in light of the fact thatthe user's hands are likely to be wet.

[0044] The brush bristles appear at one end of the elongated handle orshaft, and are also constructed of plastic, nylon, acrylic or polymers,much like traditional toothbrushes. The brush head may be angled to apreviously-determined degree, if desired by the manufacturer, and thebristles may be oft, medium, or firm in nature.

[0045] Appearing at the distal end of the handle is the floss dispenser,shown fully attached to the handle in FIG. 5. The dispenser issubstantially cylindrical in this particular embodiment, but may be ofalternate designs or shapes in additional modes. The dispenser includesa sufficient quantity of floss therein, such floss extending outwardlyfrom the extreme end of the floss dispenser. The length of the floss maybe intended to correlate to the expected life span of the toothbrush.The floss may be flavored and/or colored, if desired.

[0046] As noted, the dispenser further comprises a floss cutter, whichmay be constructed of steel with sufficient sharpness, and cutter coverfir the purpose of providing safety and keeping the floss and cutterclean. The cutter cover may be hingedly attached as shown in thisfigure, or alternatively may affix to the dispenser via snap fit orthreaded engagement.

[0047] In addition, as illustrated, the floss spool is substantiallycylindrical so as to fit tightly within the floss dispenser.Importantly, the spool is replaceable such that the user can keep thetoothbrush for en extended period of time if desired. As such, the usercan simply purchase additional floss in the form of a spool and affixthe same within the housing.

[0048] As further shown in FIG. 2, an end cap is rigidly affixed to thedistal end of the floss dispenser. The end cap functions to allow thefloss to extend therethrough in a controlled manner, with such flossfitting securely through an aperture in the center of the end cap. Thecap may be conveniently removed by the user for the purpose of replacingthe floss spool.

[0049] Also shown in this figure is the threaded connection between thefloss dispenser and toothbrush handle, as utilized in the preferred modeof production. Thus, the male threaded member appears on one end of thefloss dispenser, with the female or receiving end appearing on the endof the handle or shaft. With such a construction, the user can simplyattach the dispenser to the toothbrush handle by a simple twistingmotion. The threaded connection provides a string and secure fit betweenthe components, such that the parts will not become detached unlessdesired.

[0050] It is important to note that several alternate attachment meansmay be utilized by the present invention. For the purposes of example,the fastening means may comprise snap fasteners rather than the threadedconnection, such that the user can simply press the dispenser on to theend of the toothbrush.

[0051] In an alternate mode, the components may be configured in atelescopic manner, with the dispenser extending outwardly from aninterior cavity located within the end of the toothbrush handle. In sucha mode of production, the dispenser may simply slide out of the handleto be used effectively.

[0052] Such design provides convenience and a compact assembly to savespace for storage or for ease of travel. The total device may even betravel-sized, for the purposes of increased user convenience.

[0053] Importantly, it is suggested that the highly convenient presenceof the dental floss within the toothbrush will make people floss theirteeth more often. Due to the main device being already used by theperson multiple times per day, it is very easy for the person toremember to floss their teeth, much to their benefit. In addition, theperson need not look for a separate and small dental floss container,which can be easily lost or misplaced.

[0054] In addition, also in an effort to make a great variety of usersutilize the device more often, the brush handle, bristle portion, ordispensing portion may bear any of a variety of colors, designs, orpatterns thereon. Such may be florescent colors, such as a neon blue,green, red, pink, yellow, purple or orange. Patterns may includeanimals, sporting figures, cartoon characters, and a host of other funand interesting items.

[0055] Finally, as is the case with traditional or existing dentalfloss, such may be flavored for the purpose of better appealing to bothchildren and adults. For the purposes of example, such may be cinnamon,spearmint, or peppermint.

[0056] Therefore, in total, the present invention effectively aids inpersonal hygiene, is compact in size, is manufactured of lightweight,inexpensive materials, and offers a variety of means of attachment ofthe principal components for versatility in manufacture and productionWith regards to all descriptions and graphics, while the invention hasbeen illustrated and described as embodied, it is not intended to belimited to the details shown, since it will be understood that variousomissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms anddetails of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made bythose skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit ofthe invention.

[0057] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal thegist of the present invention that others can readily adapt it forvarious applications without omitting features that, from the standpointof prior art, constitute essential characteristics of the generic orspecific aspects of this invention. What is claimed as new and desiredto be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination floss and toothbrush devicecomprising: an elongated shaft (12) which comprises a brush head (14) atone end thereof, the brush head (14) comprising a plurality of bristles(16) thereon; a floss dispenser (18) removably affixed to a distal endof the shaft (12), the floss dispenser (18) generally cylindrical innature and comprising an aperture at a first end thereof through whichfloss (24) may be pulled by a user; the floss dispenser (18) furthercomprising a cap (28) affixed to an outer surface thereof, the cap (28)functioning to removably cover a floss cutting device (30); a spool (22)containing the floss (24) removably inserted through aperture (16) andplaced within floss dispenser (18); a male member (20) extending from asecond end of the floss dispenser (18) and received by a femalecounterpart upon the shaft (12); and functioning to allow the user topull the floss (24) from the spool (22) and cut the floss utilizingcutting device (30) to use the floss (24) in its intended manner.
 2. Thecombination floss and toothbrush device as described in claim 1, whereinthe floss is flavored.
 3. The combination floss and toothbrush device asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the brush head is angled to apreviously-determined degree.
 4. The combination floss and toothbrushdevice as described in claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises a grippingmeans thereon.
 5. The combination floss and toothbrush device asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the cap is detachable and is snapped intoplace.
 6. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described inclaim 1, wherein the device is of a single-pieced construction.
 7. Thecombination floss and toothbrush device as described in claim 1, whereinthe device is of a modular construction.
 8. The combination floss andtoothbrush device as described in claim 1, wherein the device istravel-sized.
 9. The combination floss and toothbrush device asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises indicia thereon inthe form of previously determined text, graphics, designs, colors, andglow in the dark elements.
 10. The combination floss and toothbrushdevice as described in claim 1, wherein the length of the floss isvariable, and is intended to correlate to an expected life of thetoothbrush.
 11. The combination floss and toothbrush device as describedin claim 1, wherein the length of the shaft is variable.
 12. Thecombination floss and toothbrush device as described in claim 1, whereinthe device is manufactured of materials selected from the groupconsisting of lightweight and durable plastic, nylon, acrylic orpolymers.
 13. The combination floss and toothbrush device as describedin claim 1, wherein the bristles are selected form the group consistingof soft, medium, and firm.
 14. The combination floss and toothbrushdevice as described in claim 1, wherein the floss is colored.
 15. Thecombination floss and toothbrush device as described in claim 1, whereinthe device is telescopic in nature.